Often blasted for his wrestling-dominant game, Volkmann make quick work of fellow lightweight Shane Roller and choked him out with a slick first-round rear-naked choke.

The UFC on FX 5 preliminary-card bout, which took place Friday night at Minneapolis’ Target Center, aired on FUEL TV and preceded the evening’s FX-broadcast main card.

Volkmann, fighting in his home state, got to work early. After trying unsuccessfully to snatch one of Roller’s legs, he landed a nice combo, closed the distance, worked from the clinch, and quickly dragged his opponent to the mat.

Roller, a fellow ex-NCAA Division I wrestler, tried to free himself from the hold, but Volkmann tightened his grip, quickly sunk his arm under his chin, and then locked on a deep rear-nakec choke choke. By the time Roller finally tapped, Volkmann appeared to be using a combination of the choke and face crank.

Whatever it was, it forced a tap-out at the 2:38 mark of the opening round.

“It feels great to be able to perform in front of my hometown fans,” said an energetic Volkmann, who led the crowd into a cheer for the University for Minnesota. “It was nerve-racking walking out there when my name was called. Everyone was cheering for me, and I didn’t want to let them down. I submitted him, and it feels good to get the win.”

Since his move down from welterweight, Volkmann (15-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) is 6-1 at 155 pounds, which included a submission loss to jiu-jitsu ace Paul Sass in his previous bout.

Roller, meanwhile, (11-7 MMA, 2-4 UFC) has dropped four of his past five fights following a three-fight skid he had ended with a July win over John Alessio.

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.